Back To Back Rescues In The White Mountains

ALBANY, NH – Conservation Officers had back to back rescues yesterday (8/3/18).

New Hampshire Fish and Game Officials said that at around 5:30 they received a call about an injured hiker on the Champney Brook trail in Albany.

69-year-old Steven Westcott of Rye had hiked to the summit of Mt. Chocorua and while descending he slipped injuring his ankle. His hiking partner Colleen Beechwood of Strafford NH ran out to the trail head and drove to get cell phone service to place a call for help.

Steven was able to make some progress with the assistance of passing hikers but he was ultimately placed in a litter and carried 1.5 miles back to the trailhead.

Conservation Officers and members of Conway Fire and Rescue responded and were assisted during the carryout by several hikers who were on the trail and volunteered to help. Steven arrived at the trailhead shortly before 8:30 PM and was driven from the scene.

About a half hour after receiving the first call Conservation Officers were called to assist a lost hiker on the Blueberry Ledge Trail in Waterville Valley. 76-year-old Karen Kappes, of Holden Massachusetts, was hiking when she lost the trail, she attempted to self rescue but was unsuccessful.

A Fish and Game Conservation officer was able to locate her using the coordinates given by 911 dispatch. She was located approximately two miles from her parked vehicle and ½ mile off trail between the Blueberry Ledge Trail and the Blueberry Ledge Cuttoff Trail. She arrived at the trailhead at approximately 9:30 PM and was reunited with her awaiting son.